SHANGHAI/MILAN (Reuters) -When Audi executives first saw the Zeekr 001 in 2021, a long-range electric vehicle with European aesthetics, it was a wake-up call for the premium German auto brand – if it wanted to compete with the Chinese, it needed their technology.

“The Zeekr 001 back then shocked quite everyone,” said Stefan Poetzl, president of SAIC Audi Sales and Marketing. “We needed to do something about it.”

To boost its EV lineup for Chinese consumers, Audi built the AUDI E5 Sportback in just 18 months using technology provided by Chinese partner SAIC, including batteries, electric powertrain, infotainment software and advanced driving assisted systems.

Audi expects to start delivering the $33,000 EV to customers in China this month and its global rivals are now also looking to use

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